IIT Kanpur Inaugurates Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) recently inaugurated the Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine (MFCEM), aiming to drive advancements in biomedical engineering innovations. Generously supported by Mr Rahul Mehta of the Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation, the centre commenced its operations with a two-day inaugural symposium starting on November 6, 2023. The symposium delved into topics such as Nanomedicine, genome editing-based approaches for disease therapies, and the application of digital medicine in understanding the brain's reprogramming under conditions like Alzheimer’s.

The inaugural ceremony, presided over by Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, witnessed Mr Rahul Mehta articulating his vision for the centre—dedicated to propelling the next wave of healthcare innovation and fostering collaboration across engineering and medical disciplines. Dr. Shankar Subramaniam, a renowned figure in bioengineering at the University of California San Diego and an Advisor to the centre, graced the event. The inauguration included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and unveiling of a memorial plaque symbolizing the Mehta family's substantial contribution.

Prof. S Ganesh, Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur said, "IIT Kanpur recognizes that the future of innovation in MedTech and healthcare sectors hinges on the convergence of multiple disciplines, with a particular emphasis on the dynamic intersection of engineering and medicine. We express our deep appreciation to Mr. Rahul Mehta and the Mehta Family Foundation for their generous contribution towards fostering cutting-edge research in the interdisciplinary domain of biomedical engineering by establishing the MFCEM on campus."

During the research symposium, global experts presented on key research areas at MFCEM, covering Molecular Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, and Digital Medicine. The symposium included keynote addresses from Dr. Gang Bao of Rice University on nanomedicine and genome editing, and Dr. Shankar Subramaniam on the application of digital medicine in deciphering brain reprogramming. Dr Priyanka Bagade from IIT Kanpur provided insights into the expanding realm of IoT in Healthcare.

Prof. Nitin Gupta, Co-ordinator of MFCEM, said, "The establishment of MFCEM solidifies IIT Kanpur's position as a leading institute dedicated to research and development aimed at improving the quality of life for millions in India and around the world."

MFCEM aims to develop innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to medical problems by leveraging the expertise of faculties from various engineering and science departments at IIT Kanpur.